Battery options?

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

May 4, 2012 | 01:15 PM

#21

JoesC5

Team Owner

Joined: Sep 1999

Posts: 41,732

Likes: 1,718

From: Springfield MO

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gearhead Jim

I've had a good number of Delco batteries that came in GM cars over the years, and always got good service from them. Dealer only wanted $110 for the Delco Professional 7 year last Fall, so I went with that.

But the "ease of replacement under warranty on Sunday" issue is real, no question about it.

I've had good battery life out of Delco's except for the side posts leaking on my 1997 Buick. When I purchased my 98 C5(in 1997) I replaced the side post Delco with the Optima Red Top, after I discovered that the computer was under the battery. The Delco hadn't started leaking but I was being proactive about not wanting acid running down into the cars computer/wiring as others had reported.

When I traded the C5 for the Z06 in July 08, the Optima was still as strong as ever.

May 4, 2012 | 01:48 PM

#22

JCtx

Melting Slicks

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 2,694

Likes: 106

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne O

I'm not a fan of Optima batteries. They're fine batteries but from what I've learned the premium you pay doesn't translate into that much of an extended service life, if any.

They don't do that well in the heat, just like any other 'maintenance free' battery, but inside the car, they're the best

. For under hood installation in a hot climate, I'd go with something you can replenish evaporated distilled water. Otherwise once plates are exposed from 'gassing' (evaporation), that's the end of the battery's life.

May 5, 2012 | 11:20 AM

#23

RainMan12

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Jan 2012

Posts: 314

Likes: 64

I was looking at the battery tray today in my 08 and I noticed it is almost an inch and a half longer than the BCI group 85 OEM battery, so it could easily accomadate a longer one.

May 5, 2012 | 11:28 AM

#24

johnodrake

Moderator

Joined: Dec 2002

Posts: 40,898

Likes: 4,351

From: Lakewood Ranch, FL

Quote:

Originally Posted by RainMan12

Looks like my battery is about ready for replacement. I think my tilt sensor alarm research last night probably hastened it's demise. So I've started researching my options.

My 08 needs a BCI Group 85 battery. Costco's used to carry their Group 12 battery that was the correct size, but they no longer stock it anymore. Wal Mart also doesn't carry a Group 85 battery.

So the only other options I have found are:

Super Crank (Deka) at Orielys for $89
Duralast Gold at Autozone for $110
Or the GM battery from the dealer for $150

Does anyone know of any other options for this car? (And no, I'm not interested in an Optima, BTDT, didn't even last a full year).

Shop around for the AC Delco. My Delco unit lasted 6 years and I replaced it this spring as a Preventive Maintenance action - not because of any issues. I paid $106 for their Pro Series 90-6YR including taxes - but from a battery store, not the dealer. It would have been $12 less but I didn't take in the old battery.